Gov. Rick Perry’s relationship with Muslims may set him apart | a Chron.com blog

While some other presidential candidates bring up concerns about American Muslims’ loyalty and decry Islamic law in the U.S., here’s a Christian, Republican politician who initiated a teacher-training program on Islamic history and has been friends for years with the Aga Khan, head of an Islamic sect called Ismailis, Salon points out. Perry even laid the first brick at the groundbreaking ceremony for an Ismaili worship center in Plano in 2005.

According to Ismaili national spokesman Mahmoud Eboo, the premise of the Salon story is true, and despite criticism for his Christians-only prayer rally, Perry serves on behalf of all Texans “regardless of race, color or faith.”

The governor — like other American politicians (everyone from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to President John F. Kennedy) — has built a relationship with the Aga Khan based on respect and mutual interest, one that could be carried into the White House if Perry runs and gets elected.

“His Highness (the Aga Khan) will continue to work with our leaders, whether it’s Gov. Perry or anyone else,” said Eboo. “The fact that His Highness already knows the governor is advantageous.”

Ismaili Muslims, a group that numbers between 30,000 to 40,000 in Houston where the organization is headquartered, are not predisposed to any political party, but Perry has seen support from Texas Ismailis as well as Muslims from the bigger Sunni and Shia traditions.

Quote of the Week

"We started the Aga Khan University in Pakistan some 32 years ago and it has grown into a truly international institution, with major campuses in Africa as well as in Asia, and with programmes in many fields. But right at the centre of its mission, from the very start, has been one principle goal: to help ensure the people living in the developing world are able to access international standards of health care."